A Russian military court on Wednesday handed down lengthy prison sentences to 12 members of Ukraine’s Azov regiment, accusing them of terrorism and attempting to seize power by force. The regiment, which played a crucial role in Mariupol’s defense during the war’s early months, is designated a terrorist organization by Russia.
Russian state media reported that the sentences ranged from 13 to 23 years. Meanwhile, independent outlet Mediazona stated that 11 others, including nine female military cooks, were sentenced in absentia after being returned to Ukraine in earlier prisoner exchanges.
The 12 Azov fighters, who appeared in court with shaved heads, intend to challenge the ruling. Some denied any wrongdoing, while others alleged their confessions were obtained under duress—claims Reuters could not independently verify.
Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, condemned the verdicts as unlawful, accusing Russia of breaching international humanitarian law. In a Telegram statement, he confirmed filing a complaint with the United Nations, arguing that the convicted individuals were legitimate combatants defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia has persistently portrayed the Azov regiment as an extremist, neo-Nazi group. However, Ukraine refutes this characterization, stating that Azov was integrated into the National Guard in 2014 and has since moved away from its ultranationalist origins.
For many in Ukraine, Azov fighters are regarded as national heroes for their resistance during Russia’s siege of Mariupol between February and May 2022. Ultimately, nearly 2,500 of them surrendered after holding out in the extensive bunker network beneath the Azovstal steel plant. At the time, the Kremlin stated that President Vladimir Putin had guaranteed their treatment in line with international legal standards.
Earlier this month, Russia’s Investigative Committee chief noted that prior to these rulings, Russian courts had already sentenced 145 Azov members.
